25 nov 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
To all of you from all of us at the Costa Rica School of Integrative Massage, we wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
24 nov 2009
Shiatsu
Our Shiatsu class is having a great time and enjoying the heck out of Shiatsu. Just exactly what is Shiatsu? The following article gives a very good description of Shiatsu.
Ever since shiatsu massage therapy was brought into the healthcare market, many people has been benefiting from it. It is now popular worldwide and if you are reading this, you are probably interested to try it too. Why not? But first, let's see how shiatsu will benefit you.
Health Philosophy
Shiatsu adheres to the philosophy that in order to have healthy benefits, the vital energy, 'qi' for Chinese people and 'ki' for Japanese people, should flow the entire body through its meridians, which are the series of pathways. Other oriental health massage or therapy practices, like the acupuncture, also use these meridians principle likewise believing that these can be blocked once energy is not allowed to flow freely, subsequently producing symptoms of some diseases.
How It Is Applied
In the case of shiatsu, manipulative technique and pressure are used to adjust your body and allow the vital energy to flow generously. The pressure is applied onto the acupuncture points together with manipulating and stretching the body.
The techniques include dynamic rotations, palm pressing and gentle holding on the elbows, knee, feet and knees on your meridians. Shiatsu massage does not utilize massage oil and performed on you with full clothes on.
It is believed that this therapy can benefit those people suffering with any of the conditions, such as: migraines, arthritis, joint problems, muscular pain, stress, chronic fatigue, digestive and skin orders.
The massage therapy typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. This is done via sessions, with the first expected to be longer than the succeeding ones since the shiatsu therapist requires medical history, lifestyle detail, and other health information from you.
You will be applied with the massage with you lying down whether on a padded mat, at a floor level, or on a couch. If not, a shiatsu massage chair will be used, which is now gaining popularity because of its convenience and benefits.
A combination of different treatment styles are often applied by the shiatsu practitioners.
These include Tsubo therapy, which uses methods like needles, electrical devices, massage, and moxa, focusing on the pressure point natures. The moxa is an herbal plant derived, believed to prevent and treat diseases via heat application.
Namikoshi Shiatsu is another style which emphasizes more on physical techniques like rubbing on specific body areas and pressing to assist to its healing.
Zen Shiatsu, on the other hand, is the third style, which as opposed to particular points used on other styles, concentrates on the entire meridian points and performed with both hands.
What Are To Be Expected After The Therapy
After the massage treatment, the clients are expected to find new sense of energy levels, as well as relaxed muscles while joints with improved mobility. It is also normal for them to experience muscle soreness and mild headaches after the treatment but should disappear only after a few hours of rest.
The application of Shiatsu massage therapy depends on the condition of the client. The normal course would continue with sessions lasting up to 6 or even 10 treatments. However, most clients who experienced the benefits of the therapy continue to avail even after the condition is gone.
This is not a problem since shiatsu massage therapy is safe as long as it is performed by only qualified practitioner or therapist. It is deeply relaxing and releases the tension all throughout your body that you can still continue especially on the rough days that you went through.
For more information about Shiatsu Massage and other health tips, check out my Health Tips for Moms site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gunawan_Harinanto
Ever since shiatsu massage therapy was brought into the healthcare market, many people has been benefiting from it. It is now popular worldwide and if you are reading this, you are probably interested to try it too. Why not? But first, let's see how shiatsu will benefit you.
Health Philosophy
Shiatsu adheres to the philosophy that in order to have healthy benefits, the vital energy, 'qi' for Chinese people and 'ki' for Japanese people, should flow the entire body through its meridians, which are the series of pathways. Other oriental health massage or therapy practices, like the acupuncture, also use these meridians principle likewise believing that these can be blocked once energy is not allowed to flow freely, subsequently producing symptoms of some diseases.
How It Is Applied
In the case of shiatsu, manipulative technique and pressure are used to adjust your body and allow the vital energy to flow generously. The pressure is applied onto the acupuncture points together with manipulating and stretching the body.
The techniques include dynamic rotations, palm pressing and gentle holding on the elbows, knee, feet and knees on your meridians. Shiatsu massage does not utilize massage oil and performed on you with full clothes on.
It is believed that this therapy can benefit those people suffering with any of the conditions, such as: migraines, arthritis, joint problems, muscular pain, stress, chronic fatigue, digestive and skin orders.
The massage therapy typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. This is done via sessions, with the first expected to be longer than the succeeding ones since the shiatsu therapist requires medical history, lifestyle detail, and other health information from you.
You will be applied with the massage with you lying down whether on a padded mat, at a floor level, or on a couch. If not, a shiatsu massage chair will be used, which is now gaining popularity because of its convenience and benefits.
A combination of different treatment styles are often applied by the shiatsu practitioners.
These include Tsubo therapy, which uses methods like needles, electrical devices, massage, and moxa, focusing on the pressure point natures. The moxa is an herbal plant derived, believed to prevent and treat diseases via heat application.
Namikoshi Shiatsu is another style which emphasizes more on physical techniques like rubbing on specific body areas and pressing to assist to its healing.
Zen Shiatsu, on the other hand, is the third style, which as opposed to particular points used on other styles, concentrates on the entire meridian points and performed with both hands.
What Are To Be Expected After The Therapy
After the massage treatment, the clients are expected to find new sense of energy levels, as well as relaxed muscles while joints with improved mobility. It is also normal for them to experience muscle soreness and mild headaches after the treatment but should disappear only after a few hours of rest.
The application of Shiatsu massage therapy depends on the condition of the client. The normal course would continue with sessions lasting up to 6 or even 10 treatments. However, most clients who experienced the benefits of the therapy continue to avail even after the condition is gone.
This is not a problem since shiatsu massage therapy is safe as long as it is performed by only qualified practitioner or therapist. It is deeply relaxing and releases the tension all throughout your body that you can still continue especially on the rough days that you went through.
For more information about Shiatsu Massage and other health tips, check out my Health Tips for Moms site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gunawan_Harinanto
19 nov 2009
Yoga as Bodywork
At the school we have morning three days a week. We feel that yoga is an integral part of bodywork and that our therapists as well as their clients will benefit from knowing how to do yoga. For that reason we have integrated yoga into our course of study. The following is part of an article written for Massage Magazine.
Articles
Yoga and Bodywork
Expressing Our True Nature
By Sonia Osorio
Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, June/July 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Yoga and bodywork, in their complete expression, are similar fields of practice and self-study. They support one another as learning experiences and as healing systems. Both share a common foundation that focuses on the body and the breath in order to deeply understand the physiological and psychological aspects of our form and the energy systems that support it. Both disciplines also require a willingness to explore and discover our own authentic nature, which involves an ongoing commitment, daily practice, continual exploration, and a willingness to open not just our bodies, but our hearts.
Yoga is not a string of acrobatic postures or dogmatic philosophy, just as bodywork is not a litany of preset movements or academic study of the body. Both yoga and bodywork are means through which we observe the quality of our own and another's experience in the present moment.
In the classical context, yoga has very little to do with physical fitness in the way we pursue it in the West. Rather, yoga is a system designed to unite body and mind with the divine (the word yoga means "union"), which is our true nature. Yoga cultivates awareness, which begins by being mindful of bodily sensations and breath. As we become more aware of our sensations, we also notice the reactive tendencies of the mind, and we can begin to bring them under conscious control (another meaning of the word yoga is "yoking," which refers to reigning in our distractive tendencies). By working with and observing patterns of thought and movement, we come to understand them better, we see through them, and can therefore allow them to fall away more easily. In doing so, clarity of thought and ease of movement arise, and we come closer to our genuine expression -- who we are when our habitual patterns and stories have fallen away.
Integrity of Body and Mind
The yoga postures (asanas) are an integral part of the yogic discipline, which comprises other elements considered essential to a complete practice of yoga: ethical principles (yamas), personal conduct (niyamas), breathing techniques (pranayama), sensing inwardly (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and connection with the universal (samadhi). This holistic approach to yoga reflects the notion that body, mind, breath, and spirit are intimately related and that to work on any one of these, is to reconnect with the others, ultimately helping us understand our connection with a universal life energy that is both in and around us.
In any bodywork session, this connection is inherently understood as we awaken sensory awareness, linking breath with touch and movement, honoring who we touch and who we are, respecting ethical and personal boundaries, releasing physical and emotional tension, and feeling our aliveness in the moment. Massage begins with the body yet often touches the deeper sensations and emotions that open those places in our hearts and souls seeking expression through our form.
All bodywork approaches strive to improve and rebalance the functioning of our body, whether through massage, deep tissue restructuring, movement reeducation, or energy work. Often, these are used in concert and involve reestablishing a conscious connection to our bodies, helping us remember a deeper and more integral connection -- who we are at our core, which is both unique, yet intimately related to others and to this world. This is sometimes called our connection to the divine, to our essential self, which is often much more (or less) than we imagined it to be.
Bodywork, like yoga, is about this connection to the divine through the body. It is about a release of any preconceived notions of who we thought we were and how we believed we must move in our bodies and in this world. This is the essence of freedom -- to open to who and how we are in this very moment and to accept others in the same way.
Articles
Yoga and Bodywork
Expressing Our True Nature
By Sonia Osorio
Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, June/July 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Yoga and bodywork, in their complete expression, are similar fields of practice and self-study. They support one another as learning experiences and as healing systems. Both share a common foundation that focuses on the body and the breath in order to deeply understand the physiological and psychological aspects of our form and the energy systems that support it. Both disciplines also require a willingness to explore and discover our own authentic nature, which involves an ongoing commitment, daily practice, continual exploration, and a willingness to open not just our bodies, but our hearts.
Yoga is not a string of acrobatic postures or dogmatic philosophy, just as bodywork is not a litany of preset movements or academic study of the body. Both yoga and bodywork are means through which we observe the quality of our own and another's experience in the present moment.
In the classical context, yoga has very little to do with physical fitness in the way we pursue it in the West. Rather, yoga is a system designed to unite body and mind with the divine (the word yoga means "union"), which is our true nature. Yoga cultivates awareness, which begins by being mindful of bodily sensations and breath. As we become more aware of our sensations, we also notice the reactive tendencies of the mind, and we can begin to bring them under conscious control (another meaning of the word yoga is "yoking," which refers to reigning in our distractive tendencies). By working with and observing patterns of thought and movement, we come to understand them better, we see through them, and can therefore allow them to fall away more easily. In doing so, clarity of thought and ease of movement arise, and we come closer to our genuine expression -- who we are when our habitual patterns and stories have fallen away.
Integrity of Body and Mind
The yoga postures (asanas) are an integral part of the yogic discipline, which comprises other elements considered essential to a complete practice of yoga: ethical principles (yamas), personal conduct (niyamas), breathing techniques (pranayama), sensing inwardly (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and connection with the universal (samadhi). This holistic approach to yoga reflects the notion that body, mind, breath, and spirit are intimately related and that to work on any one of these, is to reconnect with the others, ultimately helping us understand our connection with a universal life energy that is both in and around us.
In any bodywork session, this connection is inherently understood as we awaken sensory awareness, linking breath with touch and movement, honoring who we touch and who we are, respecting ethical and personal boundaries, releasing physical and emotional tension, and feeling our aliveness in the moment. Massage begins with the body yet often touches the deeper sensations and emotions that open those places in our hearts and souls seeking expression through our form.
All bodywork approaches strive to improve and rebalance the functioning of our body, whether through massage, deep tissue restructuring, movement reeducation, or energy work. Often, these are used in concert and involve reestablishing a conscious connection to our bodies, helping us remember a deeper and more integral connection -- who we are at our core, which is both unique, yet intimately related to others and to this world. This is sometimes called our connection to the divine, to our essential self, which is often much more (or less) than we imagined it to be.
Bodywork, like yoga, is about this connection to the divine through the body. It is about a release of any preconceived notions of who we thought we were and how we believed we must move in our bodies and in this world. This is the essence of freedom -- to open to who and how we are in this very moment and to accept others in the same way.
18 nov 2009
Massage Gift Certificates
I think massage gift certificates are the best gift on the planet. When I ran my private practice I would sell gift certificates. When I sold them I helped people feel better about buying them by telling them they could use them themselves if their recipient failed to use them. That helped them know their money was well spent. When we teach our business classes we encourage gift certificates as well as package deals. The following article from Ezine articles has good ideas about gift certificates.
Whether for mom or sister, girlfriend, wife or grandma, massage gift certificates are the perfect gifts that will especially please your recipients. A bit of imagination can help create a memorable special gifting experience. Men on your list can also enjoy the benefits of massage, and they know the self benefits from keeping the women in their lives happy. Massage is one gift that brings great returns.
Some massage therapists will give you a discount if you buy a pack of gift certificates. The whole package can be used by you; or used for other purposes. Many gifting situations lend themselves to such a valuable gift. Consider using a massage certificate as a hostess gift, birthday or wedding gift. Your Church building committee might be looking for a way to raise money. You could donate massage gift certificates for them to raffle off.
If you want to plan a romantic evening, you could arrange for a massage therapist to arrive at your home near the end of the day. Some therapists have portable tables and will travel to a hotel or your house to give therapy. After the therapist leaves it could be time for a warm rose petal soak in the tub and champagne and candle light...
An alternative to the above might be a couples massage date. You might arrange for the two of you to spend the weekend at a spa where you can sample several different kinds of massages. After experiencing a hot stone massage, followed by deep tissue and a sea weed wrap, you will both go home physically transformed and your relationship can also be renewed after the shared experience.
You can give a guilt-free day of pampering, even if you do not know where to find a well recommended licensed massage therapist. Visit SalonWish and you can buy gift certificates that can be used at any of 4,000 salons and spas throughout the US and Canada. These certificates can be used for massages, facials, pedicures, hair styling, or massage therapy and spa related merchandise. They are presented in a beautiful folder with your personal message.
There are a few contraindications to massage therapy, which could prevent your gift recipient from using a certificate, but, if they couldn't personally use it, they could have the happiness of gifting it to someone they love. Massage Gift Certificates are perfect for many of your gifting occasions: holidays, birthdays, client gifts, and anniversaries.
Cheryl has been writing articles for many years. She has many varied interests. Please visit her latest website about attic ventilation fans and, for those interested in kitchen remodeling, Wall Mount Range Hoods.
Whether for mom or sister, girlfriend, wife or grandma, massage gift certificates are the perfect gifts that will especially please your recipients. A bit of imagination can help create a memorable special gifting experience. Men on your list can also enjoy the benefits of massage, and they know the self benefits from keeping the women in their lives happy. Massage is one gift that brings great returns.
Some massage therapists will give you a discount if you buy a pack of gift certificates. The whole package can be used by you; or used for other purposes. Many gifting situations lend themselves to such a valuable gift. Consider using a massage certificate as a hostess gift, birthday or wedding gift. Your Church building committee might be looking for a way to raise money. You could donate massage gift certificates for them to raffle off.
If you want to plan a romantic evening, you could arrange for a massage therapist to arrive at your home near the end of the day. Some therapists have portable tables and will travel to a hotel or your house to give therapy. After the therapist leaves it could be time for a warm rose petal soak in the tub and champagne and candle light...
An alternative to the above might be a couples massage date. You might arrange for the two of you to spend the weekend at a spa where you can sample several different kinds of massages. After experiencing a hot stone massage, followed by deep tissue and a sea weed wrap, you will both go home physically transformed and your relationship can also be renewed after the shared experience.
You can give a guilt-free day of pampering, even if you do not know where to find a well recommended licensed massage therapist. Visit SalonWish and you can buy gift certificates that can be used at any of 4,000 salons and spas throughout the US and Canada. These certificates can be used for massages, facials, pedicures, hair styling, or massage therapy and spa related merchandise. They are presented in a beautiful folder with your personal message.
There are a few contraindications to massage therapy, which could prevent your gift recipient from using a certificate, but, if they couldn't personally use it, they could have the happiness of gifting it to someone they love. Massage Gift Certificates are perfect for many of your gifting occasions: holidays, birthdays, client gifts, and anniversaries.
Cheryl has been writing articles for many years. She has many varied interests. Please visit her latest website about attic ventilation fans and, for those interested in kitchen remodeling, Wall Mount Range Hoods.
16 nov 2009
NMT
We have begun our study of NMT this week. I found the following definition of NMT perfect. So far we have all been enjoying this modality, and the students are excited to learn something new. Tomorrow is the Spa trip, we will travel to Pura Vida spa for a short tour and description of how working in a spa can be a great adventure.
What Is Neuromuscular Therapy?
Neuromuscular TherapyNeuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of manual therapy. A therapist trained in NMT is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. The Neuromuscular Therapist also is educated in kinesiology and biomechanics and how to work in a clinical or medical environment.
By definition, Neuromuscular Therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. In a healthy individual, nerves transmit impulses (which are responsible for every movement, function and thought) to the body very slowly. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. It is therefore necessary to stabilize low levels of neurological activity to maintain normal function and overall health.
Neuromuscular Therapy will be used to address five elements that cause pain:
1. Ischemia: Lack of blood supply to soft tissues which causes hypersensitivity to touch
2. Trigger Points: Highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body
3. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone
4. Postural Distortion: Imbalance of the muscular system resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes
5. Biomechanical Dysfunction: Imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e., poor lifting habits, bad mechanics in a golf swing of tennis stroke, computer keyboarding)
What Is Neuromuscular Therapy?
Neuromuscular TherapyNeuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of manual therapy. A therapist trained in NMT is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. The Neuromuscular Therapist also is educated in kinesiology and biomechanics and how to work in a clinical or medical environment.
By definition, Neuromuscular Therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. In a healthy individual, nerves transmit impulses (which are responsible for every movement, function and thought) to the body very slowly. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. It is therefore necessary to stabilize low levels of neurological activity to maintain normal function and overall health.
Neuromuscular Therapy will be used to address five elements that cause pain:
1. Ischemia: Lack of blood supply to soft tissues which causes hypersensitivity to touch
2. Trigger Points: Highly irritated points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body
3. Nerve Compression or Entrapment: Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone
4. Postural Distortion: Imbalance of the muscular system resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes
5. Biomechanical Dysfunction: Imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e., poor lifting habits, bad mechanics in a golf swing of tennis stroke, computer keyboarding)
13 nov 2009
Lotion Lady
Today we took our field trip to the "lotion lady". Monika is a massage therapist who went on and developed her own line of massage lotions and other organic products. It is great fun to visit her little store and see where she does her magic.
We decided we would use her coffee scrub for our salt glow later in the week, it looks like fun! Check out her site.
We decided we would use her coffee scrub for our salt glow later in the week, it looks like fun! Check out her site.
12 nov 2009
Male Massage Therapists vs. Female Therapists
I have always seen a difference in the way people react to male versus female massage therapists. We saw first hand when we had a male student. It just seemed to take longer for people to warm up to him and feel comfortable. Once he got them here they were totally great with it. We have see the difference because our female student has filled her schedule for clinics in the first week! Of course he kind of paved the way for her also in that he gave lots of the people signing up with her their very first massage ever. I am just thankful that we can give back to the people of San Rafael some good massages in exchange for them making us feel very welcome and happy in Costa Rica!
11 nov 2009
Student Massages
Some of the best massages I have had have been student massages. When a student is giving a massage they are all tuned in to the work they are doing. Because they are learning a new skill they are totally focused and give a massage their all! that would certainly explain the success of the student clinics that work in conjunction with the many schools around.
10 nov 2009
Infant Massage
Next week our students are very excited about the Infant Massage classes.
What is Infant Massage?
Infant massage has been practiced by other cultures for centuries. Vimala Schneider McClure brought this ancient art to the United States in the 1970's, after she observed the positive effect it had on infants in India. She practiced the Indian massage strokes on her own baby and observed its benefits first hand. Ms. McClure is the founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and the author of "Infant Massage, a Handbook for Loving Parents". Swedish strokes, reflexology, and yoga along with the Indian massage strokes, make up the curriculum for teaching parents the art of infant massage.
What are the benefits of infant massage?
* Relaxes Infant
Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress parent and baby.
* Enhances Bonding
Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.
* Aids Growth and Development
Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things in turn are needed for brain and muscle development.
* Promotes Communication
Parents become more aware of baby's nonverbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a massage of love and security.
* Improves Baby's Sleep
As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.
Research
Research specific to the benefits of infant massage has been ongoing since the mid 1970's. This research has been conducted at various institutes and with infants who were premature, exposed to drugs in utero, and infants that had motor problems. All these categories of babies benefited from the nurturing touch of infant massage. These benefits included weight gain, neurological development, decreased hospitalization, and improved digestion.
Elaine Weisberg, RN and Rita Day, RN are infant massage instructors as well as mothers. For more information on their programs, contact them at Tender Loving Touch.
What is Infant Massage?
Infant massage has been practiced by other cultures for centuries. Vimala Schneider McClure brought this ancient art to the United States in the 1970's, after she observed the positive effect it had on infants in India. She practiced the Indian massage strokes on her own baby and observed its benefits first hand. Ms. McClure is the founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and the author of "Infant Massage, a Handbook for Loving Parents". Swedish strokes, reflexology, and yoga along with the Indian massage strokes, make up the curriculum for teaching parents the art of infant massage.
What are the benefits of infant massage?
* Relaxes Infant
Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress parent and baby.
* Enhances Bonding
Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.
* Aids Growth and Development
Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things in turn are needed for brain and muscle development.
* Promotes Communication
Parents become more aware of baby's nonverbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a massage of love and security.
* Improves Baby's Sleep
As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.
Research
Research specific to the benefits of infant massage has been ongoing since the mid 1970's. This research has been conducted at various institutes and with infants who were premature, exposed to drugs in utero, and infants that had motor problems. All these categories of babies benefited from the nurturing touch of infant massage. These benefits included weight gain, neurological development, decreased hospitalization, and improved digestion.
Elaine Weisberg, RN and Rita Day, RN are infant massage instructors as well as mothers. For more information on their programs, contact them at Tender Loving Touch.
9 nov 2009
I follow this blog and really enjoyed this article about receiving a massage. We try to teach at our school that students should follow the lead of the client when talking or not talking during a session.
The Beauty of Massage
November 9, 2009 by Erin
When I was training at Equinox over the summer, I was lucky enough to get treated to several massage sessions. I don’t know what sort of fitness-massage lottery I won, but when someone asks if I want a free massage, you better believe I’m going to take them up on that offer! I will say, though, that after my training—in which I felt soreness the likes of which I’d never felt before, in which I pushed my body harder, and in which I made my body stronger than it’s ever been—I deserved those massages.
It became my Saturday ritual. I’d take an hour-long group exercise class and schedule my massage for soon after. I’d work my tail off, and then I’d get rubbed down. It was the most pleasant reward for a week of hard work and training. I swore by those massages to help reduce my recovery time and give me motivation for another tough week.
My massage guru, Alicia, rocked. I think I was actually supposed to switch it up and try other massage therapists out, but no way! I knew a keeper when I found her. First, her massages were fantastic. I’d tell her what misery I’d endured that week and where I was sore, and she’d go to work taking care of the problem areas. I always felt like a million bucks when I’d leave, rejuvenated and ready for my next workout.
Now, typically when I get a massage, I want silence. I don’t like to chit-chat. I don’t like to “uh-huh” and “mmm hmmm” while my massage therapist is jabbering away, interrupting my precious time of peace. I want to zone out, relax and not think. I want me and me-only time.
That is, until I met Alicia. Alicia not only took me under her wing and massaged my soreness away, but she had me TALKING. Non-stop. For the entire massage. We’d jabber from the moment the massage started until I was out the door. I’d whine about how sore I was, and she’d empathize. We talked about our love for Olive Garden salad; she showed me a particular hand massage technique that felt amazing (and that I wish I could remember!). She told me a story about dancing so hard she almost threw her neck out that nearly had me in tears because I was laughing so hard. I’d leave in disbelief that I didn’t get my silent massage, and that I was actually okay with it! Being the pro that she was, I know she would have given me silence if I would have shut up for any length of time, but all of our silly chit-chat actually made my massages more enjoyable.
Those few sessions were a welcome reward for a lot of hard work, and if you’ve never had a professional massage, I’m so sorry. Go get one, whether as a treat every now and then, or as a reward for meeting a goal. Heck, make it your goal, and put money in a massage fund jar if you need to. It’s been a few long months now without a massage, and I must say I’m in going through withdrawal. But then a little fairy named Fit Bottomed Jenn dropped a little gift card in the mail for my birthday. A little gift card for a nearby salon, in my new hometown. I may not get to chat with Alicia, but I will be getting a well-deserved (and most likely silent) massage for my birthday. —Erin
The Beauty of Massage
November 9, 2009 by Erin
When I was training at Equinox over the summer, I was lucky enough to get treated to several massage sessions. I don’t know what sort of fitness-massage lottery I won, but when someone asks if I want a free massage, you better believe I’m going to take them up on that offer! I will say, though, that after my training—in which I felt soreness the likes of which I’d never felt before, in which I pushed my body harder, and in which I made my body stronger than it’s ever been—I deserved those massages.
It became my Saturday ritual. I’d take an hour-long group exercise class and schedule my massage for soon after. I’d work my tail off, and then I’d get rubbed down. It was the most pleasant reward for a week of hard work and training. I swore by those massages to help reduce my recovery time and give me motivation for another tough week.
My massage guru, Alicia, rocked. I think I was actually supposed to switch it up and try other massage therapists out, but no way! I knew a keeper when I found her. First, her massages were fantastic. I’d tell her what misery I’d endured that week and where I was sore, and she’d go to work taking care of the problem areas. I always felt like a million bucks when I’d leave, rejuvenated and ready for my next workout.
Now, typically when I get a massage, I want silence. I don’t like to chit-chat. I don’t like to “uh-huh” and “mmm hmmm” while my massage therapist is jabbering away, interrupting my precious time of peace. I want to zone out, relax and not think. I want me and me-only time.
That is, until I met Alicia. Alicia not only took me under her wing and massaged my soreness away, but she had me TALKING. Non-stop. For the entire massage. We’d jabber from the moment the massage started until I was out the door. I’d whine about how sore I was, and she’d empathize. We talked about our love for Olive Garden salad; she showed me a particular hand massage technique that felt amazing (and that I wish I could remember!). She told me a story about dancing so hard she almost threw her neck out that nearly had me in tears because I was laughing so hard. I’d leave in disbelief that I didn’t get my silent massage, and that I was actually okay with it! Being the pro that she was, I know she would have given me silence if I would have shut up for any length of time, but all of our silly chit-chat actually made my massages more enjoyable.
Those few sessions were a welcome reward for a lot of hard work, and if you’ve never had a professional massage, I’m so sorry. Go get one, whether as a treat every now and then, or as a reward for meeting a goal. Heck, make it your goal, and put money in a massage fund jar if you need to. It’s been a few long months now without a massage, and I must say I’m in going through withdrawal. But then a little fairy named Fit Bottomed Jenn dropped a little gift card in the mail for my birthday. A little gift card for a nearby salon, in my new hometown. I may not get to chat with Alicia, but I will be getting a well-deserved (and most likely silent) massage for my birthday. —Erin
6 nov 2009
More on Modalities
I found the following article with definitions of a few different modalities informative. Many people don't really know the difference in the different modalities and it is a great help for us to be able to explain these to them in English! Our students all have a favorite by the time they finish the massage program here in Costa Rica!
bout Massage by Brian K. Healy, LMT, CKYT
Massage Therapy may be loosely defined as 'the application of manual and mechanical techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body in order to bring about greater health, vitality and overall well-being.' There are many different techniques and approaches of bodywork from various healing traditions around the world. Most are intended to improve the functioning of the human nervous, musculo-skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Doing so increases the flow of oxygen, nutrition, and life force to the tissues and the flow of waste products from the tissues. Other forms of bodywork focus specifically on movement of the lymphatic or cerebrospinal fluids of the body. Several techniques from the Orient and the Native Americas endeavor to affect change in an indivdual's energy (prana) body or emotional (astral) body. Several of the modalities that have been most widely accepted by Western consumers and health professionals are listed below.
Overview Of Popular Massage & Bodywork Modalities--
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage - A light, flowing massage primarily for relaxation purposes. Swedish massage is usually given as a full body treatment which involves gliding, kneading, and spreading strokes on the face, head, neck, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. The client wears minimal or no clothing, is carefully draped with sheet and/or blanket at all times. Quality massage lotion or oil is used. Swedish is the most common type of massage technique being taught in the United States today and is arguably the most popular style of massage given in spas. One of the principals of Swedish massage is to improve the return of blood to the heart and lungs. For this reason swedish massage may be contraindicated for individuals with certain forms of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or cancer.
Therapeutic Massage - There are many different types of therapeutic massage, but generally speaking, these modalities address repetitive strain injuries, stress disorders, and aches and pains of the neck, shoulder, and back and encorporate many site specific techniques in order to achieve particular objectives such as pain relief, increased function, or rehabilitation. More specific forms of Therapeutic Bodywork are listed below.
Neuromuscular Therapy - A therapeutic form of bodywork focusing on treating pain and dysfunction by precise pressure on “trigger points,” which release areas of chronic neuromuscular tension. Excellent for headaches, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain. If you have specific, chronic points of tension or pain (knots) in your muscles, NMT may be for you. NMT can be performed on fully clothed clients or incorporated into the flow of a full body massage treatment.
Connective Tissue Therapy - Deep massage using forearm, elbow, and fist pressure and little lubrication to affect the connective tissue, or deep fascia of the body. Particularly useful to correct postural distortions, and helps to restore fluidity and flexibility to the tissues that hold the body together. Also provides a release of mental and emotional rigidity and leaves you feeling lighter, longer, and lovelier. Also known as Structural Integration. Note: This form of therapy is extremely powerful but the firm, slow, deep, pressure can be uncomfortable for some people.
Aromatherapy Massage- A wonderfully relaxing massage during which premium essential oils (distilled organic herbal compounds) are applied to the body in specific combinations and amounts so as to promote physical, mental and emotional healing. Essential oils have powerful anti-stress, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties and have been used by natural healers for at least 3 millennia. They contain powerful phyto compounds that can activate certain beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters and bring about muscular, endocrine and organ balance.
Hot Stone Massage - This sensually delicious treatment combines the properties of Swedish massage, hot & cold therapy, and the healing power of the mineral kingdom to literally melt away the tension, stress, bumps, and knots.- a truly relaxing therapeutic treatment that you will never forget. Especially effective on areas of chronically held rigidity.
Chair Massage - The chair massage is a simple approach to bodywork which allows effective techniques to be applied while the client, fully clothed, sits in a specially designed chair. Minimal oils or lotions are used and typical treatments are ten or twenty minutes. Great for the first time massage client, or for those in need of quick back, neck & shoulder relief. The portability of the massage chair allows on site massage to be offered in a wide range of settings. Chair massage is often available in malls, airports, sporting events and as part of corporate wellness programs.
Reiki - A form of hands-on-healing originated in Tibet. The Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for healing energy, directing it to the client’s chakras or subtle energy centers. Reiki has been shown to be effective for healing stress, anxiety, depression, dyspepsia, insomnia, headaches, chronic pain, dysmenorrhea, and emotional trauma. Certain more progressive hospitals have instituted pre and post operative Reiki treatments and have seen significant decreases in post operative pain and greatly improved recuperation times.
Healing Touch - An eclectic approach to energy healing involving the assessment and treatment of the subtle energetic aspects of the whole human being. Practitioners typically read the subject's auric eminations and seek to smooth, calm, cool, fortify, etc. in order to bring balance and assist the individual's inate healing power. The Healing Touch technique has been embraced by many in the nursing profession.
Traditional Thai Massage - Typically performed on the floor on a mat with the client wearing loose clothing this is ideal for individuals with limited flexibility, recovering from injury or when other types of bodywork may be contraindicated. No oil or lotion is used. Sometimes described as a combination of yoga, chiropractic and physical therapy, Thai massage involves the application of active and passive stretches to client, with the therapist uses his body weight to apply rhythmic palm, thumb, and foot pressure which open up the lines of energy flow in the subtle body (the Sen lines) and lulls the client into a state of deep relaxation. Excellent for increasing vitality, flexibility and range of motion.
Pyrotherapy - The therapeutic use of heat packs and herbal products that stimulate heating. Indicated for stress, chronically tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions.
Cryotherapy - The therapeutic use of ice, cold packs, and herbal products that stimulate cooling. Indicated for muscle spasm, strains, sprains, inflammation, injury, and headaches.
bout Massage by Brian K. Healy, LMT, CKYT
Massage Therapy may be loosely defined as 'the application of manual and mechanical techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body in order to bring about greater health, vitality and overall well-being.' There are many different techniques and approaches of bodywork from various healing traditions around the world. Most are intended to improve the functioning of the human nervous, musculo-skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Doing so increases the flow of oxygen, nutrition, and life force to the tissues and the flow of waste products from the tissues. Other forms of bodywork focus specifically on movement of the lymphatic or cerebrospinal fluids of the body. Several techniques from the Orient and the Native Americas endeavor to affect change in an indivdual's energy (prana) body or emotional (astral) body. Several of the modalities that have been most widely accepted by Western consumers and health professionals are listed below.
Overview Of Popular Massage & Bodywork Modalities--
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage - A light, flowing massage primarily for relaxation purposes. Swedish massage is usually given as a full body treatment which involves gliding, kneading, and spreading strokes on the face, head, neck, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. The client wears minimal or no clothing, is carefully draped with sheet and/or blanket at all times. Quality massage lotion or oil is used. Swedish is the most common type of massage technique being taught in the United States today and is arguably the most popular style of massage given in spas. One of the principals of Swedish massage is to improve the return of blood to the heart and lungs. For this reason swedish massage may be contraindicated for individuals with certain forms of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or cancer.
Therapeutic Massage - There are many different types of therapeutic massage, but generally speaking, these modalities address repetitive strain injuries, stress disorders, and aches and pains of the neck, shoulder, and back and encorporate many site specific techniques in order to achieve particular objectives such as pain relief, increased function, or rehabilitation. More specific forms of Therapeutic Bodywork are listed below.
Neuromuscular Therapy - A therapeutic form of bodywork focusing on treating pain and dysfunction by precise pressure on “trigger points,” which release areas of chronic neuromuscular tension. Excellent for headaches, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain. If you have specific, chronic points of tension or pain (knots) in your muscles, NMT may be for you. NMT can be performed on fully clothed clients or incorporated into the flow of a full body massage treatment.
Connective Tissue Therapy - Deep massage using forearm, elbow, and fist pressure and little lubrication to affect the connective tissue, or deep fascia of the body. Particularly useful to correct postural distortions, and helps to restore fluidity and flexibility to the tissues that hold the body together. Also provides a release of mental and emotional rigidity and leaves you feeling lighter, longer, and lovelier. Also known as Structural Integration. Note: This form of therapy is extremely powerful but the firm, slow, deep, pressure can be uncomfortable for some people.
Aromatherapy Massage- A wonderfully relaxing massage during which premium essential oils (distilled organic herbal compounds) are applied to the body in specific combinations and amounts so as to promote physical, mental and emotional healing. Essential oils have powerful anti-stress, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties and have been used by natural healers for at least 3 millennia. They contain powerful phyto compounds that can activate certain beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters and bring about muscular, endocrine and organ balance.
Hot Stone Massage - This sensually delicious treatment combines the properties of Swedish massage, hot & cold therapy, and the healing power of the mineral kingdom to literally melt away the tension, stress, bumps, and knots.- a truly relaxing therapeutic treatment that you will never forget. Especially effective on areas of chronically held rigidity.
Chair Massage - The chair massage is a simple approach to bodywork which allows effective techniques to be applied while the client, fully clothed, sits in a specially designed chair. Minimal oils or lotions are used and typical treatments are ten or twenty minutes. Great for the first time massage client, or for those in need of quick back, neck & shoulder relief. The portability of the massage chair allows on site massage to be offered in a wide range of settings. Chair massage is often available in malls, airports, sporting events and as part of corporate wellness programs.
Reiki - A form of hands-on-healing originated in Tibet. The Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for healing energy, directing it to the client’s chakras or subtle energy centers. Reiki has been shown to be effective for healing stress, anxiety, depression, dyspepsia, insomnia, headaches, chronic pain, dysmenorrhea, and emotional trauma. Certain more progressive hospitals have instituted pre and post operative Reiki treatments and have seen significant decreases in post operative pain and greatly improved recuperation times.
Healing Touch - An eclectic approach to energy healing involving the assessment and treatment of the subtle energetic aspects of the whole human being. Practitioners typically read the subject's auric eminations and seek to smooth, calm, cool, fortify, etc. in order to bring balance and assist the individual's inate healing power. The Healing Touch technique has been embraced by many in the nursing profession.
Traditional Thai Massage - Typically performed on the floor on a mat with the client wearing loose clothing this is ideal for individuals with limited flexibility, recovering from injury or when other types of bodywork may be contraindicated. No oil or lotion is used. Sometimes described as a combination of yoga, chiropractic and physical therapy, Thai massage involves the application of active and passive stretches to client, with the therapist uses his body weight to apply rhythmic palm, thumb, and foot pressure which open up the lines of energy flow in the subtle body (the Sen lines) and lulls the client into a state of deep relaxation. Excellent for increasing vitality, flexibility and range of motion.
Pyrotherapy - The therapeutic use of heat packs and herbal products that stimulate heating. Indicated for stress, chronically tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions.
Cryotherapy - The therapeutic use of ice, cold packs, and herbal products that stimulate cooling. Indicated for muscle spasm, strains, sprains, inflammation, injury, and headaches.
5 nov 2009
Clinics
Great news from the Costa Rica School of Integrative Massage! Our free massage clinic will be open starting Monday for the next five weeks. You will have the opportunity to receive an excellent student massage for a song. Ok you don't have to sing, just come and if you feel generous you can even tip!
4 nov 2009
Costa Rica Weather
We are actually having a touch of fall in the air here and it is nice. It is actually just a little front moving through for a couple of days, but fun to pretend we are having a season. Our student had to go and buy a sweater today!
3 nov 2009
More Massage Trials
More evidence of the great good massage therapists can do.
Shay Beider1 and Christopher A. Moyer2
Randomized Controlled Trials of Pediatric Massage: A Review
1Integrative Touch for Kids, Beverly Hills CA and 2University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61801-4819, USA
The existing reviews of massage therapy (MT) research are either limited to infants, adults, or were conducted prior to the publication of the most recent studies using pediatric samples. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pediatric MT are reviewed. A literature search yielded 24 RCTs of pediatric MT, defined as the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being in recipients between 2 and 19 years of age. Because RCTs of pediatric MT varied considerably in the amount and types of data reported, quantitative and narrative review methods were both used. Single-dose and multiple-dose effects were examined separately. Among single-dose effects, significant reductions of state anxiety were observed at the first session (g = 0.59, P <>g = 1.10, P <> a course of treatment. Effects for salivary cortisol (g = 0.28), negative mood (g = 0.52) and behavior (g = 0.37) were non-significant. Three of eleven multiple-dose effects were statistically significant. These were trait anxiety (g = 0.94, P <> (g = 0.90, P <>g = 1.33, P < 0.01). Results of studies not permitting effect size calculation were judged to be generally consistent with quantitative results. MT benefits pediatric recipients, though not as universally as sometimes reported. Numerous weaknesses endemic to MT research (e.g. low statistical power, frequent failure to report basic descriptive statistics) are identified, and recommendations for future pediatric MT research are discussed.
Keywords: CAM – child –
2 nov 2009
Be Healthy
As massage therapists we do not diagnose, but we can recommend as well as set a good example of healthy habits for our clients and students. This article is a great explanation if you need one, on why not to drink soda.
What Soft Drinks are Doing to Your Body
Soda, pop, cola, soft drink — whatever you call it, it is one of the worst beverages that you could be drinking for your health. As the debate for whether to put a tax on the sale of soft drinks continues, you should know how they affect your body so that you can make an informed choice on your own.
Soft drinks are hard on your health
Soft drinks contain little to no vitamins or other essential nutrients. However, it is what they do contain that is the problem: caffeine, carbonation, simple sugars — or worse, sugar substitutes — and often food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives.
A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Why the sugar in soft drinks isn’t so sweet
Most soft drinks contain a high amount of simple sugars. The USDA recommendation of sugar consumption for a 2,000-calorie diet is a daily allotment of 10 teaspoons of added sugars. Many soft drinks contain more than this amount!
Just why is too much sugar so unhealthy? Well, to start, let's talk about what happens to you as sugar enters your body. When you drink sodas that are packed with simple sugars, the pancreas is called upon to produce and release insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. The result of overindulging in simple sugar is raised insulin levels. Raised blood insulin levels beyond the norm can lead to depression of the immune system, which in turn weakens your ability to fight disease.
Something else to consider is that most of the excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain and elevates risk for heart disease and cancer. One study found that when subjects were given refined sugar, their white blood cell count decreased significantly for several hours afterwards. Another study discovered that rats fed a high-sugar diet had a substantially elevated rate of breast cancer when compared to rats on a regular diet.
The health effects of diet soda
You may come to the conclusion that diet or sugar-free soda is a better choice. However, one study discovered that drinking one or more soft drinks a day — and it didn’t matter whether it was diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly.
Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.
Aspartame, commonly known as nutrasweet, is a chemical that stimulates the brain to think the food is sweet. It breaks down into acpartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at a temperature of 86 degrees. (Remember, your stomach is somewhere around 98 degrees.) An article put out by the University of Texas found that aspartame has been linked to obesity. The process of stimulating the brain causes more cravings for sweets and leads to carbohydrate loading.
Carbonation depletes calcium
Beverages with bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which can severely deplete the blood calcium levels; calcium is a key component of the bone matrix. With less concentration of calcium over a long time, it can lower deposition rates so that bone mass and density suffer. This means that drinking sodas and carbonated water increases your risk of osteoporosis.
Add in the caffeine usually present in soft drinks, and you are in for even more trouble. Caffeine can deplete the body’s calcium, in addition to stimulating your central nervous system and contributing to stress, a racing mind, and insomnia.
Skip the soda and go for:
• Fresh water
Water is a vital beverage for good health. Each and every cell needs water to perform its essential functions. Since studies show that tap water is filled with contaminants, antibiotics, and a number of other unhealthy substances, consider investing in a quality carbon-based filter for your tap water. To find out more about a high-performance filtration system, click here.
On the go? Try using a stainless steel thermos or glass bottle, filled with filtered water. Enhance the flavor of your water with a refreshing infusion of basil, mint leaves, and a drop of honey.
• Fruit Juice
If you are a juice drinker, try watering down your juice to cut back on the sugar content. Buy a jar of organic 100% juice, especially cranberry, acai, pomegranate, and then dilute three parts filtered water to one part juice. You will get a subtle sweet taste and the benefit of antioxidants. After a couple of weeks, you will no longer miss the sweetness of sugary concentrated juices.
• Tea
Tea gently lifts your energy and has numerous health benefits. Black, green, white, and oolong teas all contain antioxidant polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high or higher than many fruits and vegetables on the ORAC scale, the score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods.
Herbal tea does not have the same antioxidant properties, though it is still a great beverage choice with other health benefits, such as inducing calming and relaxing effects.
If tea doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, try adding cinnamon or a little honey, which has important health benefits that refined sugar lacks. For a selection of healthy teas that promote total body wellness, click here. Drink up!
I hope you find the ways and means to avoid soft drinks. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
--Dr. Mao
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